Exploring how an e-cigarette intervention influenced tobacco smoking behaviour in people accessing homelessness services: Findings from the SCeTCH trial process evaluation

Ford, Allison, McMillan, Lauren, Soar, Kirstie, Pesola, Francesca, Notley, Caitlin, Brown, Rachel ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4475-1733, Ward, Emma, Gardner, Bethany, Varley, Anna, Mair, Charlotte, Lennon, Jessica, Brierley, Janine, Edwards, Amy, Mitchell, Danielle, Robson, Debbie, Hajek, Peter, Tyler, Allan, Parrott, Steve, Li, Jinshuo, Bauld, Linda and Cox, Sharon 2025. Exploring how an e-cigarette intervention influenced tobacco smoking behaviour in people accessing homelessness services: Findings from the SCeTCH trial process evaluation. International Journal of Drug Policy 143 , 104901. 10.1016/j.drugpo.2025.104901

PDF - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (1MB)

Abstract

Background Smoking prevalence among people experiencing homelessness is high. This study explored the factors which influenced potential smoking abstinence among participants receiving an e-cigarette (EC) intervention within the Smoking Cessation Trial in Centres for Homelessness (SCeTCH) across Great Britian. Methods Using the Capability Opportunity Motivation – Behaviour (COM-B) model, hypothesised and emerging mediators were explored quantitatively via measures in baseline and follow-up questionnaires (n=239) and qualitatively via interviews with homelessness centre staff (n=16) and participants (n=31) who received an EC starter pack and 4-week e-liquid supply. We purposively sampled 8 centres for interviews, representing varied regions and participant vaping/smoking and sociodemographic status. Quantitative measures were analysed descriptively. Qualitative data were analysed thematically. Data from the two approaches were mapped onto the COM-B for combined analysis and reporting. Results After receiving the intervention, participants demonstrated high capability to use EC and appreciation of EC for harm reduction. Some participants reported dissatisfaction with vaping. Opportunity for behaviour change was strengthened by perceived acceptability to vape and social support beyond the centre but hindered by a smoking culture and perceived lack of staff support. Motivation was enhanced by EC efficacy belief, pride from cutting down, and financial benefits of vaping, but negatively impacted by challenging personal circumstances. Conclusion For people accessing homelessness support centres, smoking abstinence remains challenging. More intensive support and a variety of approaches to support smoking cessation, particularly those which address the psychosocial factors which hinder smoking abstinence, may be required. Future research should focus on how this can be achieved.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	In Press
Schools:	Schools > Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education) Research Institutes & Centres > Centre For Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer)
Additional Information:	License information from Publisher: LICENSE 1: URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, Start Date: 2025-06-24
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	0955-3959
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	15 July 2025
Last Modified:	18 Jul 2025 10:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/179853

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item